Hérault couple bring Art Nouveau style property back to life

Séan and Debora combine their successful media careers working in the UK with another exciting dimension in their lives: undertaking the renovation of a beautiful property, complete with Art Nouveau features. 
Located in the Hérault, the couple fell in love with a “Maison du Maître” last autumn, a property which had been empty for two years - and largely unlived in for two decades.
Life as cross-border workers is certainly a busy one. Séan works in London for a large media company and Debora is a freelance journalist, writing for a well known UK paper as well as other publications. While Séan commutes regularly, Debora is setting up a French company to manage her business – seek advice from professionals as you don’t want to fall foul of the tax laws.

Their location: sunny climate, great seafood and excellent wine

Séan and Debora first stayed in the area around 10 years ago. Initially, Séan had a concern that the village would be too quiet; in fact, it has a real buzz with something happening every week – the holidays and festivals are an especially big focus for community events.
Their house is an ideal vantage point for people-watching and enabling them to easily participate in community events.
The couple love the time they spend in their home in France, with 300 days of sunshine a year as well as the relaxed atmosphere and cultural opportunities across the region.

A taste for the Art Nouveau

Séan and Debora quickly started work on the renovation project… and like most restorations there is much work to be done.
The couple though are taking their time; carrying out important tasks to keep the property warm in winter and cool in summer with the installation of a new properly insulated roof and modern Air-2-Air heat pump central heating. 
However, equally important is spending time to get to know a property. The impressive Maison du Maître was constructed in the early 1900s in the Art Nouveau style. Séan and Debora are still determined to ease their way into the project; changing decisions as they proceed.

Integrating into the local community 

When choosing where to buy their home, Séan and Debora were clear that they wanted to integrate in the local community and make friends – not only with other English speakers. There is though a range of different nationalities living in this delightful French Mediterranean village including Germans, Scandinavians, Swiss and Canadians as well as fellow Brits.
Learning to speak French fluently is a challenge for many people; even more so if you do not live in the country full-time. Séan and Debora nevertheless are having lessons and improving daily. Séan said: “If you make an effort, the locals will work with you… and really appreciate it. I am in awe of people who have done this in the UK – as English is not a simple language to learn.”

Life as a cross-border worker

Séan has some advice for those thinking of working across borders. He said: “Learn the route options, especially in winter, book in advance… and check out the tax/NI implications!”
In addition, Séan emphasises the importance of reading up beforehand French administrative processes together with researching information on healthcare, taxes, company and employment rules. These are likely to be specific to different professions.

Buying property in France

Purchasing a new home in another country is a dream many of us have. For Séan and Debora, the experience was scary, different… yet also easy, assisted by their excellent estate agent who managed the surveys/paperwork and many, many questions from them. Their agence immobilier also helped them get all the reports translated. Understanding the issues and importance (asbestos, termites, etc.) was tricky, but ultimately rewarding.
Séan and Debora prefer the house buying process (Compromis de Vente), although their house purchase was not without its challenges. The couple’s seller wanted a guaranteed sale  - no finance attached. Alas, there was a mix up with their sale in the UK not added as an acceptable release clause. So, if it had all gone wrong they could have been forced to pay 10% to walk away! Fortunately, that did not happen…

A final tip?

Séan said: “Ask around for a good Notaire; remember the estate agent works for the seller. Obtain independent advice if you can and speak to locals to understand any “known” issues with the property/road/area. There are some things that won’t come up on a survey, but are useful to know, for example on market day access to that road is closed.”
Good luck with your French adventure Séan and Debora!